The spell Mage Armor lasts for 8 hours. This makes it an incredibly efficient protective spell for spellcasters in Dungeons & Dragons.
Understanding Mage Armor's Duration and Utility
Mage Armor is a first-level abjuration spell commonly employed by mages, sorcerers, warlocks, and other spellcasting classes who do not typically wear physical armor. Its long duration is a key feature, providing persistent magical protection throughout an adventuring day.
- Extended Protection: With an 8-hour duration, a spellcaster can cast Mage Armor at the beginning of their day and benefit from its effects for most, if not all, of their active adventuring period. This eliminates the need for frequent recasting, saving valuable spell slots and actions during combat.
- Consistent AC Boost: Mage Armor sets your base Armor Class (AC) to 13 + your Dexterity modifier. This provides a significant defensive boost, comparable to wearing light or even medium armor for unarmored spellcasters, without the associated penalties or proficiency requirements.
- Contrast with Reactive Spells: Unlike short-duration, reactive spells such as Shield, which provide a temporary AC boost as a reaction to being attacked, Mage Armor is a true "armor" spell designed for continuous use. Shield offers a momentary, impactful defense after an enemy hits, potentially turning a hit into a miss, while Mage Armor provides a consistent, background layer of protection.
Practical Applications
The 8-hour duration of Mage Armor offers several strategic advantages:
- Pre-Combat Buff: It can be cast well before any anticipated encounters, ensuring the caster is always prepared for sudden threats.
- Resource Management: By lasting a full adventuring day, it conserves spell slots that would otherwise be spent on re-casting shorter-duration protective spells.
- Stealth and Flexibility: As it's magical, it doesn't impose the same stealth penalties or movement restrictions as physical armor, allowing for greater flexibility in various situations.
For more detailed information on the spell, you can refer to its official description on D&D Beyond.
